Atrial fibrillation is one abnormal heartbeat condition characterized by an irregular and usually very fast heart rate. Commonly, it is one form of heart rhythm disturbance, with more than 1.4 million cases in the UK. Principally, this condition is common among the elderly and people who have chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, or even obesity.
Normal Heart Rate and Atrial Fibrillation
Under normal circumstances, the heartbeat should be regular, and it should fall between 60 and 100 beats per minute in a resting individual. It can be monitored by checking the pulse in the wrist or neck. In atrial fibrillation, there is an irregularity in heartbeats that can sometimes exceed 100 beats per minute. It is then accompanied by dizziness, breathlessness, and tiredness. Others may experience a clearly perceived palpitation—pounding, fluttering, or irregularly beating heart. It may last for some seconds or even up to several minutes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should seek immediate medical advice if you are experiencing any of the following:
Chest pain that comes and goes, or which does not go away after some minutes.
Sudden changes in your heartbeat.
Irregular heartbeat that persists. If you also have dizziness or shortness of breath, your irregular heartbeat could be a symptom of another condition, so see your doctor as soon as possible.
Call emergency if you have very bad chest pain or discomfort that comes on suddenly. The pain may spread to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, and may make your chest feel tight or heavy. It also may cause shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack. This is an emergency that needs to be treated right away in a hospital.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition whereby the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, contract in an irregular manner and at times very fast that the muscle cannot relax between contractions, thereby reducing the efficiency of the heart. Abnormal electrical impulses originating in the atria override the heart's natural pacemaker, which results in an irregular pulse rate. Atrial fibrillation is known generally to have an unknown cause but often affects older adults and people with chronic conditions. It can also be triggered due to certain lifestyle factors such as excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking. Types of Atrial Fibrillation The classification of atrial fibrillation generally categorizes it according to its frequency or duration: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: These episodes come and go within 48 hours without treatment most of the time.
Persistent atrial fibrillation: Each episode lasts longer than seven days unless treated.
Permanent atrial fibrillation: The condition is constant and requires ongoing management.
Long-standing atrial fibrillation: The condition has persisted for over a year.
Treating Atrial Fibrillation
While atrial fibrillation is not usually life-threatening, it often requires treatment to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as stroke. Treatment options include:
Medications: To prevent strokes and control heart rate or rhythm.
Cardioversion: A controlled electric shock is given to the heart to restore normal rhythm.
Catheter Ablation: It involves destruction of the area inside the heart that triggers abnormal rhythm, using radiofrequency energy. A pacemaker could be required after this procedure to maintain regularity in heartbeat.
Technology and Atrial Fibrillation
Modern technology, such as the Apple Watch, detects it as an irregular heartbeat caused by atrial fibrillation. It can also be detected as irregular heartbeat caused by an abnormal heart rhythm or caused by erratic electrical impulses in the heart. Some advanced wearable devices are capable of detecting irregular heartbeat caused by a heart attack.
Related Conditions: Understand
Atrial Flutter: Atrial flutter is a relatively less frequent condition than atrial fibrillation. It, however, also has the same kinds of symptoms and causes as atrial fibrillation. In atrial flutter, the rhythm in the atria is more organized and less chaotic as compared to atrial fibrillation. Generally, the best mode of treatment for atrial flutter is catheter ablation, and for atrial fibrillation, medication is used as the first line of treatment.
Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a condition when the heart beats at a rate above 100 beats per minute. The signs and symptoms include tachycardia, a heart rate that may cause dizziness, difficulty breathing, and palpitations. Complications may be caused due to the frequent arrhythmia brought on by tachycardia. Several causes, ranging from anxiety to conditions of the heart or even lifestyle, bring about resting tachycardia. Tachycardia syndrome is a term used when a person's heart rate is always on the high side, and people affected by tachycardia-induced complications have to seek medical intervention.
Cardiomyopathy: Atrial fibrillation is a usual type of arrhythmia due to different factors, and it can lead to a situation known as cardiomyopathy. It can be reversed by proper treatment.
Diagnostic and Preventative Measures
Electro-physiology studies are done to diagnose and assess the chambers of the heart. The electrophysiology will measure the electrical activity of the heart, permit the finding of an arrhythmia, and thus construct a ventricular electrophysiology map with respect to the location of the abnormal areas.
Major ways through which one can help in the prevention of heart failure resulting from conditions such as atrial fibrillation include lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. Heart failure refers to a situation whereby the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to other parts of the body. This may arise due to damage or strain on the muscle of the heart.
Any person diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should be aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options so that they can manage their common heart condition with ease. Should one experience any of the signs of atrial fibrillation or have concerns regarding heart health, one should consult healthcare professionals quickly. With proper management, persons with atrial fibrillation can live healthily and lead an active life.
Early detection and early intervention are important. Devices, such as the Apple Watch, can become very instrumental in monitoring heart health and recognizing irregular heartbeats, which may be brought about by a myriad of conditions. As such, preventative measures, proper treatment, and altering one's lifestyle can greatly improve the rate quality, especially if accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.
